I am guilty as charged of being a drone policeman. But it comes from a place of genuine concern to preserve our rights as drone enthusiasts and licensed pilots in command.

Some people have inferred that "drone police" are annoying....and that it is ok to fly when you "kind of " have VLOS....outside weather minimums....pushing their drones to test range or RTH performance, etc...

Fact is that we are in for a world of hurt if we ALL don't act responsibly. We all should police each other, perhaps more tactfully than I have chosen in the past - (my bad slow-flying), in order to remind people that the days of the wild west are over....and that not following regulations can result in not only more negative attention and increased regulations, but serious consequences. For example SkyPan Interntional who was fined 1.9 million dollars for operating outside the law. The ongoing reviews of priveledges within National Parks and other no-fly zones may just be the start of being granted better drone access, I think that every pilots behavior will affect how these airspaces will be governed; thus my "crusade".

Well these are my 2 cents, take it for what its worth. Happy (and more importantly safe) flying!

it's all good. So tell me, help me out. I live in Bergen County...have a feeling you are central or South...can you tell me some cool places to fly? I'm mainly interested in photography, video and overall nature.

NJ Flying Slow Posted at 2017-2-7 09:52
it's all good. So tell me, help me out. I live in Bergen County...have a feeling you are central or South...can you tell me some cool places to fly? I'm mainly interested in photography, video and overall nature.

It is tough in North Jersey as LGA/JFK/EWR/TEB create a ton of airspace issues. I think the best way to overcome this is an app call "AIRMAP" . This allows you to figure out pockets of class g that may or may not be "cool". I highly recommend it to ensure you are in compliance. I think that cool is such a relative term. To me "cool" is usually determined by the quality of light/ time of day and then subject matter. Any spot is awesome if the light is right. For me that is sunrise and sunset for "profile" shots (but not always). And mid-morning to mid-afternoon for overhead shots. It helps to "scout" the spot with the intention of just observing for traffic...in our area helicopters are generally the x-factor.

Wow Tom. I just read about airspace 'classes' this morning. I'm trying to get my feet wet with the 107 rules even though I have no plans of going commercial. I'm just into the hobby so I'd rather be educated then non-educated (this was all sparked as a result of our tango, so thank you). I'm with you on lighting...been shooting photos on the side for 30 years. I was hoping you had some cool waterfalls or lakes I can visit, but good point. I've found a few campuses that were beautiful to shoot.

Don't you think the word "Pig " is a bit Ugly for an acronym for "Police " . If you just change to "Drone Police" or "cop" or "lawman " even Fuzz etc. , I still get it . Maybe I am to sensetive , Just hits a bit close to home for me anyway.

Donnie Stugots Posted at 2017-2-7 11:45
Don't you think the word "Pig " is a bit Ugly for an acronym for "Police " . If you just change to "Drone Police" or "cop" or "lawman " even Fuzz etc. , I still get it . Maybe I am to sensetive , Just hits a bit close to home for me anyway.

donnie

I meant it as a term of endearment, but subtlety gets lost on the intwerwebs